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Professor Jerry Gray selected for endowed chair of economics

Willamette University Professor Jerry Gray was awarded the Peter C. and Bonnie S. Kremer Chair of Economics, a privately endowed professorship awarded to a scholar who is an experienced and dedicated teacher.

"With this position, I feel a sense of excitement - and responsibility - to ensure that Willamette's students are able to think critically about economics," said Gray. "Understanding economics is an essential part of a robust liberal arts education."

"There is no substitution for time or patience," said Gray. "I try to illustrate concepts with experiences from my own life or by using everyday examples."

"Jerry is simply remarkable in his ability to translate the most complex and abstract concepts into terms anyone can understand," said David Douglass, Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. "The Kremer Chair is fitting recognition of his talents as a teacher."

"We are honored by the Kremers' generosity and deeply grateful for their recognition of the importance of excellent teaching," said Interim President Larry D. Large. "The many benefits of this endowed chair will be realized now and for many generations of students to come."

About the Peter C. and Bonnie S. Kremer Chair of Economics

The $1.5 million endowment was established by a Willamette alumni couple, Peter and Bonnie Kremer. Peter Kremer ('62) majored in economics at Willamette and earned his master's degree in business administration from Stanford. Bonnie Kremer ('62) graduated from Willamette with an English degree. She reflected, "Our experience at Willamette has given us both a good foundation, and that's something we want to support.